Reno, NV Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Street/alley
- Receptacles barred from street or alley
- Locked storage
- Not allowed: must stay accessible
- ROW dumpsters
- City permit required, one year
- Disputes
- District health officer decides, final
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under RMC § 1.04.010
Summary
Reno requires trash and recycling receptacles to stay accessible for pickup but bans placing them in streets or alleys, locked enclosures, or spots that create a nuisance; dumpsters in the public right-of-way need a city permit.
All receptacles for the receiving and holding of all solid waste and recyclable materials shall at all times be located in such place as to be readily accessible for removing and emptying the matter therefrom, but they shall not be placed within the limits of any street or alley, or where they will become a public nuisance or in any degree offensive. In all cases of disputes or complaints arising from or concerning the place where such receptacles shall be placed while awaiting removal of their contents, the district health officer shall forthwith designate the place, and the decision of such officer shall be final. It is unlawful to keep such a receptacle in a locked building or enclosure.
(Code 1966, § 5.28.080; Ord. No. 3069, § 5, 3-14-83; Ord. No. 6261, § 1, 11-7-12)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under RMC § 10.08.080, every solid waste and recycling receptacle must sit somewhere readily accessible for collection crews, cannot be placed within a street or alley, cannot become a nuisance or offensive, and cannot be locked away in a building or enclosure. Placement disputes go to the district health officer, whose call is final. Separately, RMC § 10.08.070 requires anyone placing a dumpster or other large mobile receptacle in the public right-of-way to first get a one-year permit from the code enforcement division; dumpsters must stay locked shut except when loading, must not leak or overflow, and must be kept free of graffiti.
Violations & Fines
Violating the receptacle-placement rule is a misdemeanor under RMC § 1.04.010 or a Chapter 1.05 civil code-enforcement violation. Placing a dumpster in the right-of-way without a permit can bring denial, suspension, or revocation of the permit plus the same penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my trash cart locked in a shed in Reno?
Do I need a permit to put a dumpster in the street in Reno?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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